UConn Hopes Wright, Schafenacker, Hopkins Will Help Offensive Line

DeLeone Says He Wants Physical Players Who Love The Game

When the UConn coaching staff set out to find offensive linemen for 2013 — and for the Class of 2012, too — those were three qualities their targets had to have.

Love of the game is self-explanatory.

"No. 2, athletic skill set," said offensive line coach George DeLeone. "The linemen that they're parading out there now as defensive linemen are the best athletes on the defense. We need an athlete that can compete with that skill set, and we have to upgrade our strength level. We've got to get kids that are stronger."

"This is an area we feel strongly needs upgrading. This is an area that, and I'm saying this in total candor because I'm telling the guys the same thing, we need to upgrade the position. That's upgraded both in performance from people who are here and it's going to be upgraded from an infusion of talent. We are optimistic about the guys we brought in last year and the guys we think we have a chance to sign in this class."

The Huskies had 24 committed recruits through Tuesday, the day before national letter of intent signing day, the first day that committed recruits may make their college choice official. Three committed recruits are offensive linemen: Chasz Wright (6 feet 7, 275 pounds) from Woodbridge, Va.; Kyle Schafenacker (6-4, 285) from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Tommy Hopkins (6-6, 298) from Thornwood, N.Y.

"The athleticism and love of the game, I think we've done our homework," DeLeone said. "We've had them in camp and I like where we're heading with this bunch."

Of the three linemen signed last year, only guard Tyler Samra (6-2, 291) saw action last season. Samra, DeLeone said, is the example of what the staff wants to see in its offensive linemen.

Four starters, not recruited by the current staff, are expected back. Left tackle Jimmy Bennett, left guard Steve Greene, center Tyler Bullock and right tackle Kevin Friend will all be seniors and in their final seasons of eligibility.

In addition to Samra, Richard Levy (6-5, 317) and Zach Rugg (6-4, 298) were the other offensive linemen UConn signed last year. DeLeone said that Samra and Levy could be ready for meaningful time, depending on preseason efforts.

The question is what Wright, Schafenacker and Hopkins can do, but expectations shouldn't be too high right away. Unlike a skill player, it's much more difficult for a freshman offensive lineman to contribute significant time. Samra was on the field for every point-after attempt and field goal snap, DeLeone said. He saw some action on the line early and was involved in game-plan meetings and was on the travel squad.

"Tyler Samra illustrates the point of a freshman we think as a future in the program," DeLeone said.

The three expected to sign Wednesday will be more in the 2014 mix, but they can help create a more competitive atmosphere as soon as they arrive. That won't hurt the returning starters.

The offensive line was too inconsistent last season, and here's proof: UConn was 117th in the country in rushing offense with 88 yards a game, 65th in passing offense (230.4 yards) and finished 110th (318.3 yards) in total offense.

"We all have to take a good look in the mirror and we all have to upgrade our performance. It's that simple," DeLeone said. "We had some really good moments and we had some moments that were disappointing. What does that signal to you? It signals inconsistency. It's not doing the job that needs to be done, day in and day out."